Michael Sam Wasn’t Going To Come Out Until After Draft

Earlier this year, former Missouri defensive end Michael Sam made a ground-breaking announcement and became the first openly gay athlete to enter the NFL Draft. It was a great moment in sports, but it is one that almost didn’t happen.

“When I came out in February, it actually wasn’t the time I wanted to come out. I was going to come out to my [pro] team – whoever drafted me,” he said in an interview prior to his historic May 10 selection by the St. Louis Rams, speaking to PEOPLE exclusively for a portfolio of gay professional athletes on their choices to play and live openly.

Michael Sam Wasn't Going To Come Out Until After Draft
by Sports Talk Florida

The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled defenseman Slater Koekkoek from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League today, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced. Koekkoek, 21, has skated in 66 ga